Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. An image generation-output control apparatus for use in an image processing system for controlling an image generation and output operation based on an instruction received from a server in the image processing system, the server communicable with a first image forming apparatus of a first type and a second image forming apparatus of a second type which is different from the first type in the image processing system, the server to generate first image drawing information which includes first raster data, the image generation-output control apparatus comprising: raster generation circuitry having substantially same raster generation as the raster generation of the server, the raster generation circuitry being configured to generate second image drawing information which includes second raster data based on output target image information and image processing data, and to instruct the second image forming apparatus to perform an image forming operation based on the generated second image drawing information; and a memory to store said image processing data applicable to an image processing to be performed for outputting the target image using the second image forming apparatus, wherein the raster generation circuitry is further configured to determine whether to operate in a pass-through mode in which the server performs part of image processing steps and the raster generation circuitry performs a remainder of the image processing steps or not to operate in the pass-through mode, operate in the pass-through mode when the raster generation circuitry determines to operate in the pass-through mode, and determine whether a difference occurs between the first image drawing information, generated by the server, and the second image drawing information generated by the raster generation circuitry when the first image drawing information and the second image drawing information are generated from the same output target image information, the raster generation circuitry determines that the difference occurs between the first image drawing information and the second image drawing information when settings for the raster generation circuitry and settings of the raster generation of the server are different, and when the raster generation circuitry determines that the difference occurs, the raster generation circuitry determines that one or more image processing items of the first image drawing information and the second image drawing information have the difference between the first image drawing information and the second image drawing information, and the server instructs the raster generation circuitry to perform the image forming operation using the second image forming apparatus based on the first image drawing information at least for the one or more image processing items having the difference between the first image drawing information and the second image drawing information.
The invention relates to an image generation-output control apparatus designed for an image processing system that manages multiple image forming devices of different types. The system includes a server that generates image drawing information, including raster data, for a first image forming apparatus. The control apparatus is used to manage image generation and output operations for a second image forming apparatus, which differs in type from the first. The apparatus includes raster generation circuitry that replicates the server's raster generation process to produce its own image drawing information from target image data and stored image processing data. The circuitry can operate in a pass-through mode, where the server handles part of the image processing while the circuitry completes the rest. The apparatus determines whether differences exist between the server-generated and locally generated image drawing information when processing the same target image. If differences arise due to differing settings between the server and the circuitry, the apparatus identifies specific image processing steps where discrepancies occur. In such cases, the server instructs the circuitry to use the server's image drawing information for those steps, ensuring consistent output across different image forming devices. The system optimizes processing by dynamically allocating tasks between the server and the control apparatus based on compatibility and performance requirements.
2. The image generation-output control apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein in a case that the raster generation circuitry operates in the pass-through mode, the server performs the part of the image processing steps and the raster generation circuitry performs the remainder of the image processing steps.
This invention relates to an image generation-output control apparatus designed to optimize image processing workflows in printing or display systems. The apparatus addresses the challenge of efficiently distributing image processing tasks between a server and raster generation circuitry, particularly when operating in a pass-through mode. In such a mode, the server handles a portion of the image processing steps, while the raster generation circuitry completes the remaining steps. This division of labor ensures that the system can dynamically allocate processing tasks based on workload, improving overall efficiency and performance. The apparatus may include circuitry for generating raster data from input image data, with the ability to switch between different processing modes. The server and raster generation circuitry collaborate to execute the necessary image processing steps, such as color conversion, halftoning, or other preprocessing, to produce the final output. This approach allows for flexible and scalable image processing, adapting to varying computational demands and resource availability. The invention aims to enhance processing speed and reduce latency in image generation and output systems.
3. The image generation-output control apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the raster generation circuitry is further configured to, in a case that the raster generation circuitry determines to not operate in the pass-through mode, perform all of the image processing steps.
This invention relates to an image generation-output control apparatus designed to optimize image processing in printing or display systems. The apparatus addresses the problem of inefficient resource utilization in systems where image processing steps are redundantly performed, particularly when multiple processing stages are involved. The apparatus includes raster generation circuitry that can selectively operate in a pass-through mode, where it bypasses certain image processing steps, or in a full-processing mode, where it performs all image processing steps. The circuitry dynamically determines whether to operate in pass-through mode based on predefined conditions, such as the type of input data or system configuration. When not operating in pass-through mode, the raster generation circuitry executes all image processing steps, including color conversion, halftoning, and other necessary transformations, to ensure the final output meets desired quality standards. The apparatus improves efficiency by avoiding unnecessary processing when possible while maintaining output quality when full processing is required. This selective processing approach reduces computational overhead and enhances system performance, particularly in high-throughput applications.
4. The image generation-output control apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the raster generation circuitry generates the second image drawing information based on image processing data of the server and the output target image information when the raster generation circuitry acquires the image processing data of the server from the server.
This invention relates to an image generation-output control apparatus designed to optimize image processing in a networked system. The apparatus addresses the challenge of efficiently generating and controlling image output in environments where image data is processed by a server and needs to be rendered for display or printing. The apparatus includes circuitry for generating raster data, which is essential for converting vector or other non-raster image formats into a format suitable for output devices like printers or displays. The circuitry generates a first set of image drawing information based on output target image information, which defines the parameters of the final output, such as resolution or color depth. When the apparatus receives image processing data from the server, it generates a second set of image drawing information by combining the server's processed data with the output target image information. This ensures that the final image adheres to the desired output specifications while incorporating any modifications or enhancements made by the server. The apparatus also includes control circuitry to manage the generation and output of these images, ensuring synchronization between the server's processing and the output device's requirements. This approach improves efficiency and accuracy in image rendering, particularly in distributed systems where image data is processed remotely.
5. A method of controlling an image generation and output operation by using an image generation-output control apparatus in an image processing system based on an instruction received from a server in the image processing system, the server communicable with a first image forming apparatus of a first type and a second image forming apparatus of a second type which is different from the first type in the image processing system, the server to generate first image drawing information which includes first raster data, the method comprising: generating second image drawings information which includes second raster data by using raster generation circuitry having substantially same raster generation as the raster generation of the server, based on output target image information and image processing data; instructing the second image forming apparatus to perform an image forming operation based on the generated second image drawing information; storing, in a memory, said image processing data applicable to an image processing to be performed for outputting the target image using the second image forming apparatus; first determining, using the raster generation circuitry, whether to operate in a pass-through mode in which the server performs part of image processing steps and the raster generation circuitry performs a remainder of the image processing steps or not to operate in the pass-through mode; operating in the pass-through mode when the raster generation circuitry determines to operate in the pass-through mode; and second determining whether a difference occurs between the first image drawing information, generated by the server, and the second image drawing information generated by the raster generation circuitry when the first image drawing information and the second image drawing information are generated from the same output target image information, wherein the second determining indicates that the difference occurs between the first image drawing information and the second image drawing information when settings for the raster generation circuitry and settings of the raster generation of the server are different, and when the second determining indicates that the difference occurs, the method further comprises third determining that one or more image processing items of the first image drawing information and the second image drawing information have the difference between the first image drawing information and the second image drawing information, and the server instructs the raster generation circuitry to perform the image forming operation using the second image forming apparatus based on the first image drawing information at least for the one or more image processing items having the difference between the first image drawing information and the second image drawing information.
The invention relates to an image processing system that controls image generation and output operations across multiple image forming apparatuses of different types. The system includes a server that communicates with a first image forming apparatus of a first type and a second image forming apparatus of a second type. The server generates first image drawing information, including first raster data, for the first image forming apparatus. The system also includes an image generation-output control apparatus with raster generation circuitry that has substantially the same raster generation capabilities as the server. This circuitry generates second image drawing information, including second raster data, based on output target image information and image processing data for the second image forming apparatus. The method involves determining whether to operate in a pass-through mode, where the server handles part of the image processing steps and the raster generation circuitry handles the remaining steps. If the pass-through mode is activated, the system checks for differences between the first image drawing information (from the server) and the second image drawing information (from the raster generation circuitry) when both are generated from the same output target image information. If differences occur due to differing settings between the raster generation circuitry and the server, the system identifies specific image processing items where discrepancies exist. The server then instructs the raster generation circuitry to use the first image drawing information for those items, ensuring consistent output quality across different image forming apparatuses. This approach optimizes image processing efficiency and accuracy in heterogeneous image processing environments
6. An image generation-output control apparatus for use in an image processing system for controlling an image generation and output operation based on an instruction received from a server in the image processing system, the server communicable with a first image forming apparatus of a first type and a second image forming apparatus of a second type which is different from the first type in the image processing system, the server to generate first image drawing information which includes first raster data, the image generation-output control apparatus comprising: raster generation circuitry having substantially same raster generation as the raster generation of the server, the raster generation circuitry being configured to generate second image drawing information which includes second raster data based on output target image information and image processing data; instruct the second image forming apparatus to perform an image forming operation based on the generated second image drawing information; and determine whether a difference occurs between the first image drawing information, generated by the server, and the second image drawing information generated by the raster generation circuitry when the first image drawing information and the second image drawing information are generated from the same output target image information, wherein when the raster generation circuitry determines that the difference occurs, the raster generation circuitry is further configured to determine that one or more image processing items of the first image drawing information and the second image drawing information have the difference between the first image drawing information and the second image drawing information, and the server instructs the raster generation circuitry to perform the image forming operation using the second image forming apparatus based on the first image drawing information at least for the one or more image processing items having the difference between the first image drawing information and the second image drawing information.
This invention relates to an image generation-output control apparatus for managing image processing in a system with multiple image forming devices of different types. The system includes a server that generates first image drawing information, including raster data, and communicates with a first image forming apparatus of a first type and a second image forming apparatus of a second type. The control apparatus features raster generation circuitry that replicates the server's raster generation process. This circuitry generates second image drawing information, including raster data, from output target image information and image processing data, then instructs the second image forming apparatus to perform an image forming operation based on this second information. The apparatus also compares the first and second image drawing information when both are derived from the same source. If discrepancies are detected, the circuitry identifies which image processing items differ and instructs the server to use the first image drawing information for those items when performing the image forming operation. This ensures consistent output quality across different image forming devices by compensating for variations in raster generation between the server and the control apparatus. The solution addresses the challenge of maintaining image fidelity when processing the same input through different types of image forming systems.
7. The image generation-output control apparatus according to claim 6 , further comprising: a memory to store said image processing data applicable to an image processing to be performed for outputting the target image using the second image forming apparatus, wherein the raster generation circuitry determines that the difference occurs between the first image drawing information and the second image drawing information when settings for the raster generation circuitry and settings of the raster generation of the server are different.
This invention relates to image generation and output control systems, specifically addressing inconsistencies in image rendering between different image forming devices. The problem occurs when a target image is processed for output using a second image forming apparatus, but the raster generation settings differ between the first image forming apparatus (or a server) and the second apparatus. This discrepancy can lead to variations in the final output, such as differences in color, resolution, or other visual attributes. The apparatus includes a memory that stores image processing data applicable to the image processing required for outputting the target image using the second image forming apparatus. The system also includes raster generation circuitry that detects when a difference occurs between the first image drawing information (associated with the first apparatus or server) and the second image drawing information (associated with the second apparatus). The detection is based on comparing the raster generation settings of the circuitry with those of the server or first apparatus. If a difference is found, the system can adjust the image processing to ensure consistent output across different devices. This ensures that the target image is rendered accurately, regardless of the device used for final output. The solution improves reliability in multi-device printing and imaging workflows.
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May 12, 2020
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